Proper Use

In some cases, you will receive your first dose of this medicine in a hospital. Your doctor will watch you closely after you take this medicine to make sure you do not have any serious side effects.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor even though you may feel well. Do not take more medicine than your doctor ordered.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses 12 hours apart, in the morning and at night, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your doctor.

In infants (less than 2 years of age) who drink a lot of milk, your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine when it is time to reduce the amount of milk your infant is receiving, or if they develop gastroenteritis. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about this.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your child's doctor. The starting dose is 100 milligrams (mg) per square meter (m[2]) per day for infants 6 months and older and 50 mg/m(2) per day in infants younger than 6 months. Doses are divided into two or three equal doses per day.

For sustained ventricular tachycardia (sustained VT):

Adults—At first, 100 milligrams (mg) every 12 hours. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 400 mg per day.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Dose is based on body size and must be determined by your child's doctor. The starting dose is 100 milligrams (mg) per square meter (m[2]) per day for infants 6 months and older and 50 mg/m(2) per day in infants younger than 6 months. Doses are divided into two or three equal doses per day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.